Security forces under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested nine suspected militia members and recovered weapons during a targeted operation in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation followed ongoing security concerns linked to recurring violence and reprisal attacks in parts of the state.
Security analyst for the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post on X, stating that the suspects were apprehended during a night operation.
According to him, the arrests were made around 1:35 a.m. on April 18, 2026, after troops stationed in Ganawuri received intelligence reports of suspicious movement toward the Danwal area.
He said the troops intercepted the group, who were found with blood stains on their bodies, raising suspicion of involvement in recent killings.
“The suspects were arrested at about 0135 hours on April 18, 2026, when troops deployed at Ganawuri responded to reports of suspected criminal movement towards the Danwal general area,” Makama stated.
He further listed the suspects as Gyang Dantoro, Samson Davou, Choji Yakubu, Vincent Adamu, Pam Dalyop, Femi Badung, Jacob Musa, and Choji Chaga, all reportedly from the Danwal community and of Berom extraction.
Items recovered from them included three motorcycles, a pistol, a submachine gun, a locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and another locally fabricated firearm.
“Items recovered from them include three motorcycles, one pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle, among other items,” he said.
The arrests come amid continued insecurity in parts of Plateau State, where Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and surrounding communities have experienced repeated cycles of violent attacks and reprisals in recent times.
